Context

This famous line is spoken by Donald Trump on The Apprentice. 

Ever since the show first aired in 2004, the direct-and-to-the-point real estate magnate has been "letting people go" with the now famous line near the end of each episode. It's not terribly inventive or creative, but it certainly delivers a clear message.

After a losing team is determined, and those mainly at fault are thrown under the bus, Donald questions each of the guilty parties in order to determine who's…guiltiest. Once he's made his decision, he lays into that person—no holds barred—and then severs ties with a harsh, "You're fired." 

The line is usually accompanied by his gesture of choice: the finger gun.

For anyone who's ever actually been fired in real life, the words can strike terror and agony into a viewer's heart. It ain't fun. Although…it does free you up to watch a lot more reality television.

Where you've heard it

The line is short, easy to remember, and easy to repeat. And boy does it ever get a lot of play.

You can play a Spongebob game that plays on the quote, read Wall Street Journal articles that reference it, or paint yourself a bowl at this Ohio pottery studio.

It has also inspired controversy—read about how the IRS spent $10,000 to make this less than impressive parody.

You may also have heard the line said if your boss ever called you into his office and delivered it to your face...

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

 

It's spoken by Donald Trump, so we're giving it a 10. Sue us.*

*Please don't sue us.